Washitsu

A Washitsu (Japanese和 室), literally " Japanese room " refers to a traditional Japanese room. It is characterized among other things by tatami mats as floor covering (hence partly also " tatami room " ), possibly shoji ( sliding panels ) and a Tokonoma ( alcove ) from. He often Fusuma ( sliding doors) instead of doors with hinges.

In the past, all Japanese living rooms were modern terms Washitsu, and the Japanese were sleeping in them at night on futons that were rolled out on the floor. Today, many Japanese households have only a Washitsu, which is then used mainly as a living room and for the reception of guests, while most other rooms are decorated in western style. Many newly built Japanese apartments in urban areas - often with linoleum or hardwood floors - no longer have Washitsu.

The size of a Washitsu is traditionally given as the number of its tatami mats, where one uses the special Japanese counter word jo (畳). Typical room sizes in private homes are six or eight tatami. A typical arrangement of four half a tatami mat in the middle, which is a 4 1/2-Tatami-Raum. The size of tatami differs depending on the region. Traditionally there were only certain arrangements of the tatami and the resulting room sizes.

The furniture of a Washitsu often consists of a low table at which the family with guests or dining on flat pillows ( Zabuton ) or on low chairs that are specially designed for such low tables, sets. A kotatsu is one such table, which contains as a special feature under the table surface an electric heating element, and is often surrounded by quilts, so the heat does not escape. In winter, the family gathers in this place of warmth, as it is not usual for traditional Japanese houses to heat the entire house. Due to its importance, such a low table counts mostly also on the characteristics of a Washitsu.